Andrew Hawkins is inactive for Cleveland tonight. With Jordan Cameron also out (and Josh Gordon’s suspension lasting another two weeks) the Browns are severely short-handed with their pass catchers.
Miles Austin, Travis Benjamin and Taylor Gabriel should be their three main receiving threats, with Jim Dray chipping in a few catches from tight end. Gabriel has been a good deep threat for them. The Browns don’t have any good pass-catching running backs.
The weather in this game is also problematic. It’s 42 degrees right now, with winds of 20 mph.
Sounds like nobody in any league should be starting Brian Hoyer tonight. Even in a league with double quarterbacks.
With the weather conditions, the Bengals also should be looking to emphasize the run.
Jeremy Hill. He should be the top stat guy in tonight’s game.
For the Browns, they’ll also try to emphasize the run. The Bengals, recall, rank 30th against the run and are missing two key linebackers. I expect Ben Tate will start for Cleveland, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Terrance West gets more carries and more yards.
Cleveland’s running game has headed south in recent weeks, with Tate carrying 41 times for only 65 yards in his last three games.
—Ian Allan